Dodgers’ “Heart and Brain”: Why Will Smith’s 2025 All-MLB Honor Was Earned Behind the Plate.vc
(LOS ANGELES) — After a 2025 season defined by grit and leadership, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has received his well-deserved recognition. Smith was officially named to the All-MLB Second Team, a distinction that cements his status as one of the game’s elite backstops.
But for the Dodgers, this honor goes far beyond the box score.
The “Heart and Brain” of the Team
While Smith’s “stellar performance” at the plate was a consistent factor, his 2025 selection was solidified by his invaluable, often unseen, work behind it.
Teammates and coaches have described Smith as the “heart and brain” of the Dodgers’ defense. This recognition comes after a year of “relentless effort” in which Smith provided “steady guidance” for the entire Dodgers pitching staff, skillfully navigating them through high-pressure situations.
Leadership in the Playoff Run
Smith’s impact was never more apparent than during the Dodgers’ high-stakes playoff run.
His veteran presence and strategic pitch-calling were critical in managing a complex rotation, calming rookie nerves, and executing game plans under fire. He wasn’t just a catcher; he was an on-field manager, a leader who controlled the game’s tempo.
“His steady guidance of the pitching staff made him the heart and brain of the Dodgers’ playoff run.”
This “relentless effort” transformed the Dodgers’ pitching staff into a more cohesive and confident unit, directly fueling their postseason success.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The All-MLB team honors the best players at each position across both the American and National Leagues, regardless of league.
For Will Smith, this Second Team nod is a significant milestone. It validates not only his offensive prowess but, more importantly, the “relentless effort and leadership” that made him the indispensable core of the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers.
